War loomed over the horizon of the Raydon Kingdom, just as the Sun rose to bathe the fertile land in light. Though this was a peaceful setting, inside of the Royal Castle, less cheerful things were occurring.

Pervice sighed once more as Bracker, the Second Advisor, pounded his fist on the council table. “With all due respect, Your Highness, the Juniper Empire has been gaining forces and allies so close to our border. We have to do something about it rather than just sit and allow it to happen!”

King Randoff batted a hand at him. “And this is why you are my Second Advisor, your oversight is great,” he turned to Pervice, a large hand stroking his beard, “I know well what Empress Justice is doing—and what she’s capable of. But we must act cautiously. First Advisor, I know you have an idea by now, what has your glorious mind thought of now?”

Pervice’s fingers twitched at the subtle remark. Nevertheless, he straightened his posture and stood, his robes flooding behind his lithe frame. “Yes, I have thought about it. The Empress has gained at least the favor of the southern area,” he pointed to the map at the center of the table, circling the area near the mountains. “Thankfully, it’s the very poor areas where she has gained favor. So rebel military chances in our territory is low.”

“But,” the Fifth Advisor, Nomand, raised their voice, “will it always stay low, the chances of greater rebellion and the support for the Emperess? That is the factor we must watch.”

“And change!” Bracker stood abruptly, causing the king to narrow his eyes.

“Bracker—“

“Your Highness, if you may excuse me _this _once_ _instead of letting your _fucking_ whore be the king for you!” Bracker yelled this loud, face red and spittle falling on Pervice’s still face. He dimly heard what sounded to be a platter fall on the ground outside of the Council Room.

The whole council was silent. Bracker, who was beginning to calm down and realize the level of insult that he had shouted, turned to the king, eyes wide as he searched for violence in King Randoff’s eyes.

“I would think this meeting is over. You are all dismissed,” the king said, voice a low, threatening baritone. The rest of the Council shuffled out, leaving the King, Bracker, and Pervice alone.

“Y-your Highness, I—“

“I think it’s best if you shut your mouth, Bracker, just for today.” Bracker did so, looking down at his feet as though he was a child who had disappointed his father as he walked away, shitting the door behind him. Then, the king looked to Pervice. The latter allowed the king to take his hands and fold them inside his own. Pervice did absolutely nothing to stop Randoff from pulling him forwards, placing a kiss on his head.

There were reasons for this, though Pervice himself wasn’t sure why. Maybe so the king would not become angry and demote him of his position.

He had worked so hard to get there.

“Don’t listen to them, Percy,” murmured Randoff, giving Pervice another kiss, this one sharp with the barest breath of teeth. Pervice pushed him away, not in anyway that would cause offense but it did the job. He was done for today; he needed to go study.

“Why should I ignore the whispers that are true, Your Highness?” Pervice opened and closed the door swiftly, not hearing the king’s response. “They are true anyway.” He said that last past to himself, picking up his robes and preparing to go to his chambers.

“Uhm, mister?”A wary voice called for Pervice’s attention. He turned to see a servant picking up the remainders of what seemed to be a crumbled soft bread off the ground, piling onto a silver platter. So _this_ was what he heard before.

“What is it, and you should do well to call me _lord_.”

The servant looked up at that, as though confused, but he smoothed out his dark face with a warm smile. “Oh yes, I forgot that’s how they do things here—it does rather remind me of something.” While Pervice was utterly confused on what he meant by “they”, the servant stood up, platter in between his hands, and asked politely. “My lord, do you know where the kitchens are? It’s my first day here.”

Pervice shook out of his stupor and frowned, looking at the remains of the soft bread. “And it might be your last day.” The servant’s smile faltered at that, his silver eyes—silver eyes?—dulling slightly. Pervice sighed, he looked back at the closed door. The king would be coming out soon.

“Look,” he snapped his fingers to get the servant to look up, “it’s easy to get lost here, so listen here. Keep going straight, then, when you see a guard who looks like someone poured a bowl of water on her, take a right. Then continue going straight until you smell bread.” The servant nodded, a smile on his face as he bumbled in that direction.

He probably said thank you, Pervice didn’t care, the advisor just wanted to go into his room so he could figure out this godsforsaken mess of war.

Among other things.

***

_(Jeez, this took rather long. I have a sucky headache rn. Anyways, tell me what you think and what I should improve—this is my first time attempting to write a fantasy war story (politics aren’t really my thing.) Thanks for reading and have an amazing day. Part two will definitely not be today…I need an ice pack.)_